Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, deputized law enforcement officers from the State Department.
“I hereby authorize the special agents of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) to perform the following functions of an immigration officer,” Noem wrote in a memo.
The officers now have the legal authority to investigate, determine the location of, and apprehend illegal immigrants. They may also enforce immigration-related regulations.
As many as 600 agents within the State Department can assist in deportation efforts.
“Under President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security will use every tool and resource available to secure our border and get criminal illegal aliens out of our country,” Noem said in a statement. “The safety of American citizens comes first.”
Employees within the IRS and DOJ have also been deputized, DHS noted.
DHS released an ad earlier this week calling for illegal immigrants to self-deport from the United States.
“Thank you, President Donald J. Trump, for securing our border and putting America first. President Trump has a clear message: if you are here illegally, we will find you and deport you. You will never return. But if you leave now, you may have an opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American Dream,” Noem said in a statement. “If you are a criminal alien considering entering America illegally: Don’t even think about it. If you come here and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States.”
“Follow the law and you’ll find opportunity,” Noem says in the ad. “Break it, and you’ll find consequences. The choice is yours. America welcomes those who respect our laws, because a strong nation is a safe nation.”
